It was a challenging afternoon on the pitch, with the opposition running out 62–22 winners, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, including some excellent individual contributions, strong attacking moments and signs of growing confidence across the team.

From the outset, there were some impressive defensive efforts. Leon Donoghue produced a series of excellent tackles, setting the standard defensively, while Zac Kinghorn and Jay Bleakley worked tirelessly in contact. The scrum remained stable, allowing Kyle Crossan to make some strong carries into the opposition defence.

Leon continued to impress with another quality run, supported by a mazy run from Caine Cummins . Kyle also showed his strength with an outstanding carry, beating four defenders, while Zac added a well-timed tackle and charge-down.

The team began to find its rhythm in attack, with Jay producing a clever tap pass to put Rio McClymontt over in the corner for a well-worked try.

Alfie Campbell, Cain McLaughlin (playing up to help the boys fulfil the fixture with a few boys not turning up to play!)and the forwards combined brilliantly through a series of powerful carries and effective phases, creating the opportunity for Big Sam Bryson to cross the line for the team's second try.

There was also a huge carry from Zak off a long kick-off, showing the determination and physicality the team was beginning to develop. As the half progressed, more players looked confident getting their hands on the ball and taking responsibility in attack.

Despite some encouraging moments, the opposition continued to take their chances, and the teams went into the break with the score at 10–38.

Second Half

The team continued to battle in the second half, with Kyle and Jay combining well to make an important double-team tackle. The forwards also showed their strength defensively, holding the opposition up following a maul to regain possession.

There were further positive carries from Jay, Alfie and Kyle, although a few handling errors and missed tackles in the defensive 22 allowed the opposition to maintain their advantage.

In attack, some good work through the middle created another opportunity, with Rio finishing well to add to the team's try tally.

Caine Cummins also produced some excellent footwork, showing great balance and determination to stay on his feet and beat a number of defenders. It was another encouraging attacking moment, although the team will continue to work on supporting one another and maintaining that effort throughout each phase.

Leon Donoghue showed good variation with his kicking game, including an ambitious high drop-kick, while Nathan Floyd put in an excellent defensive shift. His work as the last line of defence was particularly impressive, with some important last-man tackles and a much-improved understanding of his role at full-back.

Nathan added another excellent tackle as the team continued to show fight and commitment despite the scoreline.

The game finished on a high note, with Rio producing a brilliant last-minute finish to claim another try. Leon Donoghue then added the conversion to bring the final score to 22–62.

Plenty of Positives to Build On

Although the final score did not go our way, there were plenty of encouraging signs. The team showed improved confidence in possession, some excellent individual carries, strong defensive efforts and some well-worked tries.

There is still work to do, particularly around missed tackles, handling errors and supporting the ball carrier, but the determination and willingness to keep playing until the final whistle were clear to see.

A performance to learn from, plenty of positives to take away, and lots to build on for the next outing.

It would be great to have a full strength squad for the final match for the boys which will be the Bowl Final date tbc.